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In “Jeopardy!”

Anne Gardner
5 min readJan 12, 2023

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Ken, let’s start with Fashion Foibles for $100.

“How do clergy decide where and when to wear their collars?” And the correct response is: “What is … oof.”

Now in its 39th season, “Jeopardy!” has been my favorite game show for as long as I can remember. Since premiering in 1964, the show’s innovative twist of providing answers rather than questions has captivated the imaginations of trivia aficionados everywhere, keeping contestants and viewers alike glued to their screens. So naturally when a recent move brought me to Los Angeles, acquiring tickets to a taping of the show became a top priority for this super fan. In September, that dream came true.

After successfully navigating several security checkpoints and passing a COVID test, I found myself at the door of Stage 10 on the Sony Pictures lot, mere steps away from the set. I entered as if into a cathedral, hushed and agog at the bevy of cameras and lights. The walls of the soundstage glowed their familiar electric-blue. The answer board was to my left and a trio of contestants to my right. After a quick audience warm up by “Jeopardy!” Clue Crew member Johnny McGuire, the camera boom descended and host Ken Jennings emerged on cue.

I was in hog heaven.

The two shows I saw filmed were due to air in a few weeks, courtesy of my local NBC station. But just days later…

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Anne Gardner
Anne Gardner

Written by Anne Gardner

Writer. Minister. Adventurer. When I grow up, I want to be the next Nancy Drew, or George Plimpton, or Lisa Ling, or Anne Lamott, well you get the idea.

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